📋 Case Study
Ethylene Oxide Absorption Column Design
Poor CO₂ co-absorption leading to catalyst poisoning and frequent shutdowns
🏗️ Project Overview
BASF ethylene oxide plant upgrade in Antwerp
🎯 Challenge
Poor CO₂ co-absorption leading to catalyst poisoning and frequent shutdowns
🔧 Design Approach
Switched from water to MDEA–water solvent; used SRK+EoS for accurate CO₂/H₂O/EO solubility and enthalpy of absorption
📐 Design Diagram
AI-generated project design illustration
📐 Key Calculations
Solubility Ratio (CO₂:EO)
φᵢ = yᵢP / xᵢγᵢPᵢˢᵃᵗ
Result: 0.22
Lower ratio = selective EO capture
Heat of Absorption
ΔH_abs = H_liq − (yᵢH_vap + xᵢH_liq)
Result: −92 kJ/mol
Drives reboiler duty & temperature profile
📊 Results
CO₂ removal increased from 63% to 94%, catalyst lifetime doubled, 19% lower steam consumption💡 Lessons Learned
- •Activity coefficient models (NRTL) must be coupled with EOS for high-pressure non-ideality
- •Enthalpy departure functions are essential for energy balance accuracy
✅ Key Takeaways
- 1Activity coefficient models (NRTL) must be coupled with EOS for high-pressure non-ideality
- 2Enthalpy departure functions are essential for energy balance accuracy